Animal Lovers League's charity status under probe

Watchdog looking into group’s governance and non-compliance with Charities Act

- Judith Tan Correspondent

The charity status of Animal Lovers League (ALL), one of Singapore’s pioneer animal welfare groups, is under probe by the Commissioner of Charities (COC).

In a statement to The Straits Times on Dec 9, the COC said it is looking into ALL’s governance and administration following feedback received, as well as ALL’s noncompliance with the Charities Act.

ALL, which was set up in 2002, has been a registered charity in Singapore since January 2015 and has regularly solicited funds from the public.

The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Dec 8 that the 23-year-old animal welfare group has lost its tenancy at The Animal Lodge, a facility in Sungei Tengah near Choa Chu Kang supporting animal welfare groups and independent shelters.

The group is required to return the eight units it currently occupies to AVS, a National Parks Board cluster which oversees the lodge, but no definite deadline has been set.

The COC office understands that AVS is working to ensure that the animals under ALL’s care continue to be looked after during this period.